Which "Lighter Side of Islay"

I have a few mainland Scotches and I enjoy the great flavors (usually fruity). But I also enjoy the smokey peaty, earthy, iodine-y, briny, grassy flavors in the Laphraoig 10 & Lagavulin 16. I had heard of Bruchladdich and Bunnahabhain being the "lighter side of Islay," incorporating some fruity notes of the mainland whiskies and some sea side notes of Islay. Well, that really didn't sound good to me so I was never interested. My brother picked up Bruichladdich Rocks on a whim and he didn't care for it. I tried it. Yup, berried flavors and some briney sea notes....and I liked it . In fact, I offered him a trade for a whiskey I had but didn't care for. Now, I'm intrigued with "the lighter side of Islay" and would like to try a different expression. Here's what I'm considering (what's available in my area):

Bruichladdich 15 Year, 2nd edition. It's got some good reviews, but a recent post here about it makes me wonder.

Re: Which "Lighter Side of Islay"

Re: Which "Lighter Side of Islay"

I couldn't give you a set of tasting notes, but I would recommend trying the
Bunnahabhain. I purchased a bottle of this maybe a month or so ago when it was on sale. Yes, it's a little lighter but quite enjoyable in it's own right. You can't go wrong with the Bowmore 12 either for the price. The bowmore legend is another good pour. I'm sure that it's quite young but at around $20 it's worth a try.

Take the tasting notes as a very broad guideline if you would. Experiment alot and really get to know what's out there. Especially if you have an "out" for the bottles you don't really care for.

Re: Which "Lighter Side of Islay"

My bottle's long gone, but I very much enjoyed the 'Laddie 10 and highly recommend it. Another single malt of a similar character - mostly Highland-style fruity but with a hint of sea air - is Old Pulteney. It's also modestly priced considering the quality.